Cavite Representative Kiko Barzaga, who is currently serving a 60-day suspension, may face a new ethics complaint over his “reckless and malicious” allegations against members of the National Unity Party (NUP), according to Negros Occidental 4th District Representative Jeffrey Ferrer, as reported by RH Milky Rigonan.
During a manifestation on the House floor, Ferrer, an NUP member, called for stronger sanctions against Barzaga.
“I rise today under the privilege to address the reckless and malicious allegations recently made by Congressman Kiko Brazaga against the National Unity Party, its members; Deputy speaker Rolando Puno and Enrique Razon," Ferrer said.
"Let me be clear: Ang mga paratang na sinasabing may bribery at illegal na transaksyon kaugnay sa Speakership election ay walang basehan, walang ebidensya at lubhang paninira lamang. These are not merely false statements, they are serious accusations that malign the character and integrity of public servants, and potentially undermine public trust in this institution,” he added.
Ferrer emphasized that Barzaga’s statements constitute conduct that erodes public confidence in the House.
“The making of sweeping and unsubstantiated allegations against an entire bloc with the House of Representatives, coupled with statements that cast defamation on the acts of the institution itself of which congressman Barzaga sought membership and spent money to election constitute conduct that tends to erode public confidence in the House,” he said. “Such acts amount to violation of the House Rules on the code of conduct and Republic Act No. 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, and may give rise to the filing of another ethics complaint."
He added: “Considering that Cong. Barzaga has not fully yet served the penalty imposed in a prior disciplinary proceeding. This recent action merit careful consideration of the imposition of more stringent disciplinary measures,” Ferrer said.
Barzaga is still serving a 60-day suspension stemming from a previous ethics complaint, which is set to end this February. If a new complaint is filed and approved, his suspension could be extended.
Earlier, House Deputy Speaker Puno suggested that, in addition to the ethics complaint, the chamber may pursue Barzaga’s expulsion.
"Cong. Barzaga has maligned every living member of the NUP," he added.
Barzaga previously accused NUP members of allegedly accepting bribes from billionaire businessman Enrique Razon in exchange for support for then-House Speaker Martin Romualdez ahead of the 2025 midterm elections.
Both Razon and NUP, through Puno, have denied the claims.
